U.S. Rep Paul Gosar was the keynote speaker at the Graham County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Luncheon Monday at Eastern Arizona College.
- David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
SAFFORD — The weekend offered voters a chance for one-on-one time with candidates for upcoming elections.
Both the Democratic and Republican parties in Graham County staged gatherings, with the Democrats hosting the Rose Mofford Dinner on Saturday and the Republicans conducting the Lincoln Day Luncheon on Monday.
The featured speaker for the Democrats was state Sen. Raquel Teran, who also is the state party chair.
“We are now a battleground state. I feel that every single corner of the state, regardless if the numbers say that they’re more with the Republicans, we need to start showing up,” Teran said.
She also talked about Project 1530, a Democratic outreach effort that focuses on all 15 of Arizona’s counties and its 30 legislative districts.
State Sen. Raquel Teran, who is also chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, was the keynote speaker at the Rose Mofford Dinner at The Venue on Main in Safford on Saturday. She spoke about Project 1530, an outreach effort by the party.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Also speaking was state Rep. Daniel Hernandez, who is running for Congress in the district that represents Graham and Greenlee counties; former Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes, who is running for Secretary of State; and former state Rep. Aaron Lieberman, who is running for Governor.
Graham County Republican Party Chair Kip Kempton called on residents to get involved at the local level, and to support political candidates who will fight for Graham County.
“We have to focus on what’s best for our county. In Safford, Thatcher we have 20,000 people; draw a 50-mile circle around the area and we have 75,000 people. We have to focus on what’s important to us and for us,” Kempton said.
The featured speaker was U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, who went head-first at the controversies surrounding him, including his recent censure, his effort to reject the certification of Arizona’s electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election and his family campaigning against him.
“I’m a firm believer in the people,” he said. “If given the truth, they can be counted on to meet any national crisis.”
A number of other candidates for state and national officer were on hand, including: Justin Olson and Mick McGuire, both running for U.S. Senate; Juan Ciscomani, Young Mayberry and Kathleen Wynn, all running for Congress; Nick Myers, Kevin Thompson and Kim Owens, all running for Corporation Commission; Lacy Cooper, who is running for Attorney General; Tom Horne, who is running for School Superintendent; and Karrin Robson, who is running for Governor.
Graham County Democratic Party Chairman Nick Nordgran-Tellez presents part Treasurer Patty Cervantez with a plaque of appreciation and a bouquet of flowers for her dedication to the party.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralCongressional candidate Juan Ciscomani, left, shares a laugh with Graham County Republican Party Chairman Kip Kempton.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralKim Owens is running for Corporation Commission.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralFormer Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes, left, said he wants to use that experience running a scandal proof election to become the state’s top election official, the Secretary of State.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralCongressional candidate Young Mayberry gives a 60-second speech during Monday’s luncheon.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralDaniel Hernandez announced he’s giving up his seat in the state House to run for Congress in the district that serves the Gila Valley.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralSafford City Councilman Mike Andazola, left, speaks with gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor-Robson.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralAaron Lieberman, Democratic candidate for Goevernor, chats with attendees at Saturday’s Rose Mofford Dinner on Saturday.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralKeith Alexander served as the master of ceremonies for the Lincoln Day Luncheon.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralStephanie Rea served as the master of ceremonies for the Rose Mofford Dinner on Saturday.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralLacy Cooper, candidate for Attorney General, speaks to the luncheon’s crowd.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralRet. USAF General Mick McGuire is running for the U.S. Senate.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralJustin Olson, right, speaks with a constiuent during Monday’s Lincoln Day Luncheon at EAC.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralKevin Thompson was one of three Republicans in attendance at the Lincoln Day Luncheon running for the Corporation Commission. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralNick Myers is a candidate for Corporation Commission.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralGraham County Supervisor Paul David gave an update on the needs and accomplishments of the county.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralCalled up by party chair Kip Kempton, Judy Warren said the Republican Party and the nation needs to turn back to God.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralCongressional candidate Kathleen Winn speaks to the luncheon’s crowd.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley CentralTom Horne, who previously served as Attorney General and School Superintendent, announced his plan to run again for School Superintendent.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
